Not enough insurance. About 37% of parents with young children don't have sufficient life insurance, according to a 2015 report. Of those who do have insurance, 50% have less than $100,000 in coverage. Do a thorough analysis of your life insurance needs to be sure you’ve enough to cover funeral expenses, replace your income for the family and cover debts like the mortgage.

Not reviewing your medical records. You should ask for a copy of your medical records from your primary care physician before applying for life insurance because the insurers will get those records, as well. They’ll look at your medical history to gauge risk and determine rates. There could be potentially costly mistakes in the record that should be fixed.

Focusing on avoiding estate taxes. You may have your spouse own the life insurance policy on you so that you can be smart with your estate planning. Since you don't own the policy, it won't be included in your estate when you die. However, what’s known as "three-corner life insurance"—where the owner, insured and beneficiary are all different is to be avoided.

This three-corner configuration has the effect of transforming the policy proceeds into a gift from the policy owner to the beneficiary but anything above the annual $14,000 annual gift tax exclusion would be considered a taxable gift to the owner. That would decrease his or her annual lifetime exclusion.

Why would we recommend D.T.F.? Several Reasons: Your ability to explain complex estate problems, clearly and patiently; your total lack of arrogance and pretense; a strong feeling that you are motivated by what you perceive is best for your client, rather than what would generate the largest legal fees; finally, and importantly, you are a lovely guy. A.C.

★★★★★

Two words cannot sum up the entire process of creating my “trust.” I enjoyed your attention to detail, your patience of explaining terms and conditions until I understood, also giving me copies to read and understand. Thank you for your suggestions on what was best for “me” but still allowing me to make my choice. Most of all, thank you for thinking of “me.” Wells Fargo said “you were the best” I cannot deny that. Again thank you very much for everything. Anna is an asset or a compliment to the firm. She is warm and very caring. It was great doing business. Thank you.

We serve clients throughout Florida including those in the following localities: Broward County including Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Margate, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac, and Weston; Miami-Dade County including Aventura, Coral Gables, Miami, North Miami, and North Miami Beach; and Palm Beach County including Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach.